B.C. Travellers Stranded in Mexico as US Ground Stop Cancels Air Canada Flights

Canadian travellers stranded by US flight ground stop, Digi Mart USA News: A suspension of take-offs in the United States on Friday, November 13, disrupted air travel for Canadians both at home and abroad, according to a report from Radio-Canada. Among those affected were British Columbians who were due to fly home with Air Canada from Cancún, Mexico.

Lisa Dolinski, part of a group of 14 people who travelled to Mexico to celebrate a 50th birthday, said her return flight was scheduled for 6:10 p.m. the previous day.

She said she was initially told only US flights were affected, but Air Canada first delayed the flight by two hours and then cancelled it.

Dolinski said she must wait until Wednesday for her return flight. Her friend Corie Shaak was able to return to British Columbia on Sunday, but only by booking a WestJet flight herself.

Dolinski and Shaak are paying their own extra costs for the longer stay, including accommodation.

Nancy Kristoff said she expects to pay at least $3,500 for her family of four because of the unplanned extension of their Mexico stay. Patricia Arndt said the airline did not offer meal or hotel vouchers, so travellers had to arrange alternatives themselves.

Shaak said she was disappointed by the airline’s communication, saying she could not reach customer service.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) said it has a full staff on duty to assist travellers who need help, and it encourages passengers to check their flight status with their airline or on YVR.ca before going to the airport. According to the report, 54 flights were cancelled at Vancouver airport on Friday and 23 more on Saturday.

Yasmine Mehdi, an Air Canada spokesperson, said the airline added extra flights where possible to increase capacity and help passengers affected by the disruption. Travel agent McKenzie MacMillan of The Travel Group Vancouver estimated that it would take a little more than a week for several airlines to return to their usual schedules.

The report also said the Canadian Transportation Agency states that airlines are not required to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond their control, and that obligations to provide meals, drinks and overnight accommodation do not apply in this case.